MYSTERY SHOPPING THREAD 19 - please don't mention client names or fees on here!!

LizzieMSL

Just a quick post to thanks everyone for the feedback, believe it or not we do listen I don't want to cause any controversy by mentioning my company again, but just to say that we are a genuine company and if anyone has any questions, please PM me and I'll be happy to answer them as best as I can.

Happy shopping!

dazza.mk

LizzieMSL wrote: »

Just a quick post to thanks everyone for the feedback, believe it or not we do listen I don't want to cause any controversy by mentioning my company again, but just to say that we are a genuine company and if anyone has any questions, please PM me and I'll be happy to answer them as best as I can.

Happy shopping!

Lizzie, Please stay! - We'll be kind

mysterious_girl

LizzieMSL wrote: »

Just a quick post to thanks everyone for the feedback, believe it or not we do listen I don't want to cause any controversy by mentioning my company again, but just to say that we are a genuine company and if anyone has any questions, please PM me and I'll be happy to answer them as best as I can.

Happy shopping!

I have a question. Hope you don't mind answering publicly as I'm sure other shoppers will be interested in your response.

Are your assignments only in Scotland or do you cover England and Wales too?

dazza.mk

mysterious_girl wrote: »

I have a question. Hope you don't mind answering publicly as I'm sure other shoppers will be interested in your response.

Are your assignments only in Scotland or do you cover England and Wales too?

I've just sent a PM asking the same thing amongst other points

misssarahleigh

carolwat wrote: »

Now you are just being silly. Clearly it comes out of your bank if thats how you chose to pay but you implied they just randomly took money from your account for it just by signing up with them.

Do you know what, I simply cannot be bothered with this place. You call yourselves professionals and moan when other professional shoppers talk about this thread in a negative manner but its all brought on by yourselves and the way you treat people and companies. I dop in now and again as I think things may have changed but time and time again I see the same old nastiness, unwelcomeness and complete and utter stupidity from people asking questions when a quick search would provide the answers of people werent so damn lazy and just wanting to earn a quick quid.

I'm aware this is prob not aimed at myself, but i find this comment a little unfair. I have joined MSUK and don't really see the same level of support or friendly atmosphere i get on here. The office i cannot comment as i've never been to the site.

I started as a newbie and did read some threads and will admit others don't but they will soon get tired of having to actually put the effort in to get the job done.

I'm professional at all times and take my work seriously. I've never heard bad things mentioned first hand but i'm aware other shoppers see this as a 'less reputable' place, but may i just point something out. To be a mystery shopper a valuable tool is to be impartial and assess the situation based on the current experience and not past.

I feel your taring everyone with the same brush based on this and previous experience's. I've had a very nice chat with Lizzie and welcome her posts. Just because other people have a different opinion does not make ALL OF US unprofessional, nasty and moaners.

If you choose not to visit this forum because you don't like the place and don't enjoy it fine, but please don't imply people who do use the forum are below those who use other 'more professional' outlets to speak.

nearlyheadlessian

yonk wrote: »

Hang on, let's not get personal here. Carolwat is a very experienced shopper who usually posts elsewhere but has (and is) been a great help to a lot of people. Let's play nicely, people. Please.

Becles wrote:

I can vouch for Carolwat. She's been doing MS for a long time. I've met her in "real life" and she's a lovely lady.

Fair enough. Suffice to say I've spent enough time on forums to be suspicious of people who suddenly appear when it goes down and vehemently defend some other newbie who has suddenly vanished. Glad to hear they're a genuine poster.

carolwat wrote:

I am also a regular at other places where professional shoppers are able to keep in touch. I much prefer the more professional places to this unwelcome place.

Well it's bad forum etiquette to continue conversations from one forum in public on another forum. And that's what was happening. As said, it's in situations like this that sock puppets turn up.

Even more tedious than the occasional nastiness here is when people swan in and claim to be the creme de la creme of professional mystery shoppers and put down this thread and its contributors.

My glance at your posting history really was cursory. Upon further examination, you apparently last posted in an ms thread in June 2008. So maybe a word of introduction before you leap into a thread where a bunch of people haven't heard of you wouldn't hurt next time

I happen to agree with you that reps from companies on the boards is a good idea, and I also happen to be aware of msl's legitimacy (although I happen to agree that asking for money upfront is a bad branding decision).

carolwat

dazza.mk wrote: »

Fair criticsim, your original question was warranted, even if the flippant 'cash or cheque' was taken the wrong way.

As it came up I've take a quick look at MSUK and the office, there are limited threads re: MSL on either, not that I'm suggesting there a dodgy company, but although Carol & Jen_br recommend them they may (for all I know) be very regional as such I can't see anything that would suggest that people should take their certification, also given the recent 'race to the bottom' amongst some companies I don't like their 'reserve the right' to charge shoppers for the 2 year re-certification test. Given that the test only relates to MSL it could easily be made into another revenue stream.

There are limited threads because Jen and I converse personally away from the forums on pretty much a daily basis. We also do this with other MSL shoppers.

carolwat

dazza.mk wrote: »

Although you've got to remember that probably comparatively there are a lot more 'newbies' on here compared to the dedicated sites, you will also get more people who will see mystery shopping as a quick buck and won't 'last the course' compared to other sites as people 'wander in' from other parts of MSE.

Agreed but being new is no excuse for not reading.

dazza.mk

carolwat wrote: »

Agreed but being new is no excuse for not reading.

But those who won't 'last the course' are never going to read!, as various companies have their own test, take it as a 'forum test' for new mystery shoppers if you like :rotfl:

People are less likely to 'wander onto' MSUK or the Office than here, so this will always be a 'comparative' issue.

dazza.mk

carolwat wrote: »

There are limited threads because Jen and I converse personally away from the forums on pretty much a daily basis. We also do this with other MSL shoppers.

No question, doesn't help with 'new shoppers' questions though!, particularly given the decision that MSL have taken re: the certification test however. As although you and Jen have vouched for them it doesn't really help 3rd party shoppers (due to geographical coverage and personal areas individual shoppers are willing to cover if nothing else!).